Send a fax without owning a fax machine? What once seemed unthinkable is everyday life today. Online faxing makes it possible to send documents digitally while still arriving at the recipient as a classic fax. We explain how it works technically and why fax is still relevant today.
Whether you want to send a cancellation to your insurer, forward a signed contract to your lawyer or fax a medical certificate to your employer - with online faxing you can do it in just a few minutes without owning a fax machine.
How does online faxing work technically?
Online faxing combines the advantages of the digital world with proven fax technology. This is how the process works:
- 1. Upload: You upload your document (PDF, image, Word) to our server
- 2. Conversion: The document is converted into fax format (TIFF)
- 3. Transmission: Our fax server dials the recipient's fax number via the telephone network
- 4. Reception: The recipient's fax machine prints the document - just like a normal fax
For you the process is fully digital - for the recipient a normal fax comes out of the machine. The technology behind it is complex, the operation is as simple as it gets.
Online fax vs traditional fax: the differences
Why use online fax instead of buying a classic fax machine? The advantages are compelling:
- No hardware: No fax machine, no paper, no toner, no phone line
- Location independent: Fax from anywhere - at home, on the go or on holiday
- Available 24/7: Send faxes anytime, even at night or on weekends
- Digital proof: Transmission reports are automatically sent and archived by email
- Cheaper: No purchase costs, no maintenance - you pay per use only
The only difference for the recipient: there is none. The fax comes out of their machine exactly like a classic fax.
When is fax still required today?
Despite email and digital communication, fax remains standard or even mandatory in many areas:
- Authorities and public offices: Registry offices, tax offices, immigration authorities often prefer fax
- Courts: Time-sensitive documents are often submitted by fax
- Healthcare: Doctors, hospitals and pharmacies often communicate by fax due to privacy requirements
- Lawyers and notaries: Signed documents and powers of attorney are sent by fax
- Cancellations: Insurers, gyms, mobile providers - fax is considered secure proof of delivery
- Banks and financial institutions: Orders and approvals often require fax transmission
The reason: fax provides a transmission confirmation with proof that is recognised in court - unlike a simple email.